A cat’s long-term health depends heavily on what goes into her bowl each day. High-quality, balanced wet food can help your cat reach a vigorous, energetic old age. But even premium products can upset the gastrointestinal tract when they are combined carelessly with dry kibble or home-prepared meals. Feeding wet food well is less about the brand on the can and more about how, when, and how much you serve it.
Key Takeaways
- Keep fresh, clean water available at all times, even though wet food already adds moisture to the diet.
- Refrigerate an opened can and use it within about two days; discard anything left over.
- Serve wet food at room temperature, never straight from the refrigerator.
- Avoid mixing wet and dry food in the same meal; offer them at separate feedings.
- Talk to your veterinarian before combining wet food with a homemade or “natural” diet.
Rules for Feeding Cats Wet Food
A handful of simple habits will keep wet-food meals safe, appealing, and nutritionally sound. Follow these guidelines every day:
- Always provide clean drinking water. Even though canned food is high in moisture, your cat should still have constant access to fresh water.
- Store opened cans in the refrigerator and use them within about two days. After that, throw out any uneaten leftovers rather than serving them.
- Do not mix wet and dry food in one serving. The two are best offered at separate meals so digestion isn’t thrown off.
- Get professional guidance before combining foods. If your cat eats a homemade diet and you want to add wet food, consult your veterinarian, who can help build a balanced menu. This ensures your cat gets her daily vitamins and minerals along with the right amount of food to stay in great shape.
- Choose quality over bargain formulas. Look for complete and balanced products from reputable brands. Bargain “economy” foods often rely on low-value by-products, so read the label and favor named protein sources.
Because feline nutritional needs change with age, health, and lifestyle, it is worth reviewing your cat’s diet with your veterinarian periodically. The ASPCA’s cat-care resources and the Cornell Feline Health Center are both reliable places to learn more about balanced feline diets.
Why Wet Food Can Be a Good Choice
Many cat owners notice that their pets simply do not drink much water, even in hot weather. Cats evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors and have a naturally low thirst drive, so chronic underhydration is a real concern. Wet food is roughly three-quarters water, which means every meal delivers a meaningful dose of moisture along with nutrition. This can be especially helpful for cats prone to urinary or kidney issues.
Wet food is also convenient. It requires no preparation beyond opening the can, so there is no need to cook grains, steam vegetables, or poach chicken to put together a proper breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You simply open the container and spoon the contents into the bowl.
Manufacturers offer wet food in life-stage formulas as well, with recipes tailored to kittens, adults, and seniors so the diet can match your cat’s age and needs. Veterinarians often recommend wet food for sick, weak, or recovering cats, including those healing after surgery, because it is easy to eat and encourages fluid intake.
Canned food travels well, too. It stores compactly and keeps until opened, so a trip away from home does not have to mean an abrupt diet change. You can bring along the same familiar food your cat is used to. And with so many textures and flavors available, from pâtés to stews to chunks in gravy, it is easy to add variety and keep a picky eater interested.
Drawbacks of Feeding Cats Wet Food
Wet food is not without trade-offs. Keep these limitations in mind when planning your cat’s diet:
- Short shelf life once opened. Exposed to air, wet food spoils quickly and must be refrigerated and used within a couple of days.
- It should not be served cold. Food straight from the refrigerator is unappealing and harder to digest, so let it warm to room temperature first.
- Higher consumption and cost. If you are switching from dry food to wet, expect to go through noticeably more product, since a cat needs a larger volume of canned food to get the same calories.
To decide which wet food is best for your cat, whether a mixed feeding approach makes sense, and how much to serve, talk with your veterinarian. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers helpful owner resources on choosing and transitioning pet foods safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave wet food out all day for my cat?
No. Unlike dry kibble, wet food should not sit out for long. It begins to spoil and dry out within a few hours at room temperature, which can attract bacteria and turn your cat off the food. Serve a portion, let your cat eat, and refrigerate or discard what is left rather than leaving it in the bowl all day.
How long can I keep an opened can of wet food?
An opened can should be covered, refrigerated, and used within about two days. Before serving refrigerated food, let it come up to room temperature so it is more palatable and easier to digest. Throw out any portion that has been sitting in the bowl.
Is it okay to feed both wet and dry food?
Many cats do well on a combination of the two, but it is best to offer them at separate meals rather than mixing them in one bowl. If you want to feed a mixed diet, ask your veterinarian to help you balance the portions so your cat gets the right calories and nutrients without overfeeding.
Does my cat still need water if she eats wet food?
Yes. Wet food adds moisture to the diet, but fresh, clean water should always be available. Some cats drink less when eating canned food, and that is normal, but you should never remove the water bowl.
Should I warm wet food before serving it?
Cold food straight from the refrigerator is less appealing and can be harder on the stomach. Letting it reach room temperature, or warming it briefly, brings out the aroma and makes it more inviting, which is especially useful for cats recovering from illness or with reduced appetite.